Cruise Guide
Monte Carlo
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Monte Carlo Cruise Guide

Overview

Glitzy, money-oozing Monte Carlo is well known as a tax haven and millionaire's posing ground, but visiting cruise passengers can expect far more than the massed ranks of super-yachts this reputation suggests.

For a start, the port enjoys a spectacular setting as part of Monaco, a tiny principality clinging precariously to the rocky shores of the Mediterranean.

At the city's spiritual heart is Monaco-Ville where the Place du Palais houses the grand palace that the legendary Grimaldi family still hold so dear. Their turbulent history, awash with glamour, tragedy and drama, colours Monte Carlo and only helps add to its mystique.

Sightseeing

Monte Carlo is easily navigable due to its compact size, but many journeys have to take in steep gradients so visitors often want to make use of the local buses, tourist train, and the system of free lifts and escalators.

The centre of Monte Carlo itself, awash with shopping streets and places to eat and drink, is actually relatively easy to walk around as it slopes gently towards a dalliance with the Mediterranean at the Port de Monaco.

Highlights
• Monaco-Ville (Old Town)
• Palais du Prince
• Port de Fontvieille
• Monte Carlo Casino
• Musée Océanographique
• Jardin Exotique
• Rainier III's antique car collection

Tourist Information

Monaco Tourist Office
2A boulevard des Moulins, Monte Carlo, Monaco.
Tel: +377 9216 6116.
Website: www.visitmonaco.com and www.monaco-tourisme.com

Shopping

Monte Carlo is certainly no budget shopping destination, but there are plenty of places to melt the credit card alongside Europe's high rollers.

For souvenirs, the tourist orientated shops that recline in the winding old streets of Monaco-Ville are the place to head. The Condamine area is home to around 200 shops, while the Fontvieille Shopping Centre is a more ‘normal' shopping experience.

Eating Out

Restaurants in Monaco offer a wide choice of food. Service and standards are excellent. Specialities include barbagiuan and fougasse (sweet pastries), socca (chick-pea flour pancakes) and stocafi (dried cod cooked in a tomato sauce).

When To Go

Monaco has a mild climate throughout the year, the hottest months being July and August, and the coolest being January and February. Rain mostly falls during the cooler winter months and there is an average of only 60 days' rain per year.

Transfer Times

Nearest Destination

Monaco.

Transfer Distance

1.5km (0.9 miles).

Transfer Time

10 minutes.

Key Facts

Region

Monaco

Time Zone

GMT + 1.

Currency

Euro (€) = 100 cents.

Language

French

Location

Principality of Monaco, southern French coast.

Population

32,600 (Monaco).

Government

Constitutional monarchy/principality.

Religion

Majority Roman Catholic.

Social Conventions

Casual wear is acceptable for daytime and dress is the same as for the rest of the French Riviera. Smart restaurants, dining rooms, clubs and the casino's private rooms require more formal attire. Handshaking and, more familiarly, kissing both cheeks, are accepted forms of greeting.

Tipping: Hotel and restaurant bills generally include a 15% service charge; however, where this is not added it is customary to leave a 15% tip.
One of the benefits of Med cruises is that you can spend a day in a place you might not want (or be able to afford!) to spend two weeks in. Monaco is a good example - a day shopping here is more than enough for most!
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